Singin’ in the Rain – Kilworth House Theatre

Singin’ in the Rain continues at Kilworth House Theatre, Leicestershire until 28 July 2024.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

After the recent heatwaves, we could probably all use a bit of cooling off and a touch of rain, so it’s fitting that the beloved musical Singin’ in the Rain has just begun its summer run of performances at Lutterworth’s Kilworth House Theatre.

The beautifully scenic outdoor venue always delivers a high quality musical over the summer months, and this year we’re heading back to the Golden Age of 1920s Hollywood, and a joyfully uplifting show that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face, even when the rain decides to fall. First adapted for the stage back in 1983 from the legendary 1952 film, Singin’ in the Rain takes us back to the age of silent films and explores how the dawning of the first “talkies” were about to change the film industry forever, not to mention the love lives of its biggest stars.

Don Lockwood (played by Jack Wilcox) and Lina Lamont (Jess Buckby) are two of Hollywood’s most popular actors at the height of their careers in silent films. Often coupled together onscreen, Don despises Lina behind the scenes, although she believes their public romance is real. When advances in technology lead to the production of the world’s first talking picture by a rival company, studio head RF Simpson (Mark Curry) insists their next film be a “talkie” too, despite Lina’s shrill speaking voice being less than desirable.

Don meets aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Lucie-Mae Sumner) and the two begin to fall in love, much to Lina’s outrage. When the technology fails and attempts to improve Lina’s voice prove futile, Don proposes substituting Lina’s voice for Kathy’s, hoping the public will never find out, but Lina’s jealousy of Don’s romance threatens to ruin everything.

Singin’ in the Rain regularly places near the top of favourite movie musicals, and for good reason, with its Golden Age charm and warmth along with an abundance of classic songs and dance routines. While many older musicals begin to feel dated and become “museum pieces”, Singin’ in the Rain never has, such is the strength of its storytelling and overall feeling of effortless sincerity.

Betty Comden and Adolph Green’s warm and witty screenplay doesn’t feel over 70 years old, the characters are likeable and well-written, and everything just has a feeling of class about it. Technically it’s a jukebox musical, with its songs (by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed) taken from smaller, lesser-known shows, but they work cohesively together to create a wonderfully rich and enjoyable score (played wonderfully under the supervision of musical director Michael Bradley).

After doing a great job with Kilworth’s production of Hairspray last year, director and choreographer Lee Proud has again delivered an assured, confident and classy production, showing off all of the musical’s strengths with heart and drive. The outdoor stage is used well with some inventive transitions (not always easy in an outdoor setting) and Simon Wells’ design creates an authentic feeling of 1920s Hollywood.

The crucial “rain” element is effectively-created, suitably soaking the cast and delivering “that” iconic scene with respect and flair. Though the auditorium is covered to protect audiences from actual rain, the first few rows may get a light sprinkling from the onstage water, splashed about by a playful cast, but it’s all part of the scene’s charm.

Fresh from being the standby lead in Crazy For You in London last year, Wilcox is a dashing dreamboat of a lead here as Don, and does Gene Kelly proud. The performer has that “Golden Age of Hollywood” air about him that suits the show perfectly. While he shows he’s a fine actor and singer, Wilcox truly shines when he starts to dance, making it look effortless and is an absolute joy to watch.

He’s well-matched by his two leading ladies, Sumner’s smart-talking Kathy and Buckby’s petulant diva Lina. Sumner recently led the disappointing Stock Aitken Waterman musical I Should Be So Lucky, but is served far better here, allowing her to show off some fine comic timing and a wonderful voice. Buckby is also a lot of fun as Lina, staying the right side of caricature and giving us a feisty tantrum-fuelled prima donna. Alastair Crosswell also does well as Cosmo and delivers the hugely physical ‘Make ’Em Laugh’ routine with precision and energy.

Proving that sometimes nostalgia never gets old, Singin’ in the Rain remains one of the great musicals, wholesome feel-good entertainment from start to finish. Kilworth House Theatre never disappoints with its productions, and once again delivers a gem of a show full of heart, class and joy. With sublime performances and choreography from a “torrentially”-talented cast, this show will absolutely make a splash this summer.

Rob Bartley